Perspectives on Participatory Democracy

Hosted by: YOUnify and #unifyUSA

Thursday, June 12, 2025

10:00 AM - Noon 

Boulder Room

Boulder Public Library District

1001 Arapahoe Avenue

Boulder, Colorado 80302

Join us for a powerful conversation on how participatory democracy can help renew trust in government and revitalize democracy from the ground up. This interactive session will explore bold, community-centered approaches to civic engagement at the local, state and to national levels.

Featured Speakers:

• Pedro Senhorinha Silva II, Director of Engagement at YOUnify 
• Vivian Castro-Wooldridge, Planning Engagement Strategist, City of Boulder, Colorado
• Dr. Paul Zeitz, Co-Founder of #unifyUSA and author of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution

Discover how everyday people are stepping into their power to co-create a more just, inclusive, and participatory democracy.  

What is Participatory Democracy?

Participatory democracy is a form of government where citizens participate directly in political decisions and policies. Instead of relying solely on elected representatives, citizens actively engage in shaping public policies and initiatives. This approach can increase understanding of and trust in government, promote civic learning, and allocate resources to community needs. 

Information

• YOUnify develops citizen-leaders and supports institutional leaders to embrace leadership in service of human flourishing. It has developed a unique citizen assembly model with its partner Civic Genius.
• City of Boulder and Boulder County are leading a Community Assembly  as part of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan major update
• #unifyUSA is an inter-partisan citizens movement calling for State and National Citizens Assemblies to Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution.